Gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator

ABSTRACT

A gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator. The gas-enhanced generator has a housing, a first gas control module in the housing and configured to control flow of a first gas, a second gas control module in the housing and configured to control flow of a second gas, a high frequency power module, and a controller, processor or CPU within the housing and configured to control the first gas control module, the second gas control module and the high frequency power module. The first gas and second gas may be any of CO 2 , argon and helium or another gas. The gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator may have a third gas control module in the housing and configured to control flow of a third gas and a third connector secured on an exterior of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to gas-enhanced electrosurgical systems,and more particularly, to a gas control module for a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical system.

Brief Description of the Related Art

A variety of different electrosurgical generators are known. U.S. Pat.No. 4,429,694 to McGreevy disclosed an electrosurgical generator andargon plasma system and a variety of different electrosurgical effectsthat can be achieved depending primarily on the characteristics of theelectrical energy delivered from the electrosurgical generator. Theelectrosurgical effects included pure cutting effect, a combined cuttingand hemostasis effect, a fulguration effect and a desiccation effect.Fulguration and desiccation sometimes are referred to collectively ascoagulation.

Another method of monopolar electrosurgery via argon plasma technologywas described by Morrison in U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,426 in 1977 andMcGreevy U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,175. This method, referred to as argonplasma coagulation (APC) or argon beam coagulation is a non-contactmonopolar thermoablative method of electrocoagulation that has beenwidely used in surgery for the last twenty years. In general, APCinvolves supplying an ionizable gas such as argon past the activeelectrode to target tissue and conducting electrical energy to thetarget tissue in ionized pathways as non-arcing diffuse current. Canadydescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,675 the development of APC via aflexible catheter that allowed the use of APC in endoscopy. These newmethods allowed the surgeon, endoscopist to combine standard monopolarelectrocautery with a plasma gas for coagulation of tissue.

Yet another system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2013/0296846, which disclosed a system for simultaneously cuttingand coagulating tissue. Another system, referred to as a “coldatmospheric plasma” system, is disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0378892.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator. The gas-enhanced generator has a housing, afirst gas control module in the housing and configured to control flowof a first gas, a second gas control module in the housing andconfigured to control flow of a second gas, a high frequency powermodule, and a controller, processor or CPU within the housing andconfigured to control the first gas control module, the second gascontrol module and the high frequency power module. The gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator further may have a first connector secured onan exterior of the housing, wherein the first connector comprises afluid connector connected to an output port of the first gas controlmodule, and a second connector secured on an exterior of the housing,wherein the second connector comprises a fluid connector connected to anoutput port of the second gas control module and an electrical connectorconnected to an output of the high frequency power module. The first gasand second gas may be any of CO₂, argon and helium or another gas. Thegas-enhanced electrosurgical generator may have a third gas controlmodule in the housing and configured to control flow of a third gas anda third connector secured on an exterior of the housing, wherein thethird connector comprises a fluid connector connected to an output portof the third gas control module, and an electrical connector connectedto an output of the high frequency power module. For example, the firstgas comprises CO₂, the second gas comprises argon and the third gascomprises helium.

A gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator further may have a sub-systemfor controlling intraabdominal pressure in a patient. The sub-system forcontrolling intraabdominal pressure in a patient may have a 3-wayproportional valve connected to an output port of the first gas controlmodule, a pressure control valve having an internal pressure chamber, aport to the internal pressure chamber, an exhaust and an exterior portconfigured to release intraabdominal pressure from a patient, a firstpressure sensor for sensing a pressure in the chamber, and a secondpressure sensor connected to the exterior port. The gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator further may have a touch-screen displaymounted to the housing. The generator further may have a graphical userinterface, wherein the CPU is configured to control the graphical userinterface and the touch-screen display.

In the gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator the HF power supply may beconfigured to supply high frequency energy to argon plasma coagulationattachment and supply low frequency electrosurgical energy to coldatmospheric plasma attachment based upon settings input through thetouch screen.

The first, second and third gas control module each may have thefollowing structure. The gas control module has an inlet port, a firstsolenoid valve connected to the inlet port, the first solenoid valvebeing configured to turn a flow of gas into the gas control module onand off, a first pressure sensor configured to sense a first pressure ofgas entering the gas control module through the first solenoid valve, afirst pressure regulator configured to change the first pressure of gasentering the first pressure regulator to a second pressure, a first flowsensor configured to sense a flow rate of gas exiting the first pressureregulator, a first proportional valve having an inlet and an outlet, thefirst proportional valve being configured to adjust the outlet as apercentage of the inlet, a second flow sensor configured to sense a flowof gas exiting the first proportional valve, a second solenoid valvebeing a 3-way valve, a vent connected to the second solenoid valve, asecond pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of gas passing through thesecond solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve, the third solenoidvalve being configured to turn a flow of gas out of the gas controlmodule on and off, and an exit port. The second pressure may lower thanthe first pressure and the first pressure regulator reduces the firstpressure to the second pressure. The first pressure, for example, may be50-100 psi and the second pressure may be 15-20 psi. The gas controlmodule for a gas-enhanced electrosurgical system according to claim 1may further have tubing for connecting the exit port to anelectrosurgical accessory. The gas control module further comprising asupport structure for supporting at least two of the first solenoidvalve, the first pressure sensor, the first pressure regulator, thefirst flow sensor, the second solenoid valve, the second flow sensor,the second solenoid valve, the second pressure sensor and the thirdsolenoid valve. The support structure may comprise a frame, a housing oranother support element and, for example, may be formed of steel,plastic or a combination of those.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionare readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply byillustrating a preferable embodiments and implementations. The presentinvention is also capable of other and different embodiments and itsseveral details can be modified in various obvious respects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Additional objects andadvantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the descriptionwhich follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or maybe learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of agas-enhanced electrosurgical generator.

FIG. 1B is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator.

FIG. 1C is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator.

FIG. 1D is a left side view of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator.

FIG. 1E is a right view of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator.

FIG. 1F is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator.

FIG. 1G is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator having a pressure control system in accordancewith the present invention configured to perform an argon-enhancedelectrosurgical procedure.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a gas-enhancedelectrosurgical generator having a pressure control system in accordancewith the present invention configured to perform a cold atmosphericplasma procedure.

FIG. 2C is a diagram of a trocar for the embodiment of FIG. 2A inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of an alternate preferred embodiment ofpressure control system of a gas-enhanced electrosurgical generatorhaving a pressure control system in accordance with the presentinvention configured to perform an argon-enhanced electrosurgicalprocedure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the gas flow throughthe module and the method by which the module controls the gas flow inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the gas flow through analternate embodiment of the module and the method by which the modulecontrols the gas flow in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3C is a front view of a gas module in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a back view of a gas module in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is a top view of a gas module in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a bottom view of a gas module in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3G is a first side view of a gas module in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3H is a second side view of a gas module in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a gas module within a housing or shield inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a gas module within a housing or shield inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a bottom view of a gas module within a housing or shield inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a graphical user interface in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the inventions are described with referenceto the drawings. A gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator 100 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shownin FIGS. 1A-1G. The gas-enhanced generator has a housing 110 made of asturdy material such as plastic or metal similar to materials used forhousings of conventional electrosurgical generators. The housing 110 hasa removable cover 114. The housing 110 and cover 114 have means, such asscrews 119, tongue and groove, or other structure for removably securingthe cover to the housing. The cover 114 may comprise just the top of thehousing or multiple sides, such as the top, right side and left side, ofthe housing 110. The housing 110 may have a plurality of feet or legs140 attached to the bottom of the housing. The bottom 116 of the housing110 may have a plurality of vents 118 for venting from the interior ofthe gas-enhanced generator.

On the face 112 of the housing 114 there is a touch-screen display 120and a plurality of connectors 132, 134 for connecting variousaccessories to the generator, such as an argon plasma probe, a hybridplasma probe, a cold atmospheric plasma probe, or any otherelectrosurgical attachment. There is a gas connector 136 for connecting,for example, a CO₂ supply for insufflating an abdomen. The face 112 ofthe housing 110 is at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to thetop and bottom of the housing 110 to provide for easier viewing and useof the touch screen display 120 by a user.

One or more of the gas control modules may be mounting within agas-enhanced electrosurgical generator 100. A gas pressure controlsystem 200 for controlling a plurality of gas control modules 220, 230,240 within a gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator is described withreference to FIGS. 2A-2D. A plurality of gas supplies 222, 232, 242 areconnected to the gas pressure control system 200, and more specifically,to the respective gas control modules 220, 230, 240 within the gaspressure control system 200. The gas pressure control system 200 has apower supply 202 for supplying power to the various components of thesystem. A CPU 210 controls the gas pressure control modules 220, 230,240 in accordance with settings or instructions entered into the systemthrough a graphical user interface on the display 120. The system isshown with gas control modules for CO₂, argon and helium, but the systemis not limited to those particular gases. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2D, the CO₂ is shown as the gas used to insufflate an abdomen(or other area of a patient). The gas pressure control system 200 has a3-way proportional valve connected to the gas control module 220. WhileFIG. 2A shows the 3-way proportional valve connected only to the CO2control module 220, the 3-way proportional valves could be connected toa different gas control module 230 or 240. The gas pressure controlsystem 200 further has an HF power module 250 for supplying highfrequency electrical energy for various types of electrosurgicalprocedures. The HF power module contains conventional electronics suchas are known for provide HF power in electrosurgical generators.Exemplary systems include, but are not limited to, those disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,040,426 and 4,781,175. The system further could have aconverter unit for converting the HF power to a lower frequency, such asmay be used for cold atmospheric plasma and is described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0342663.

The outlet port of gas control module 220 is connected to a connector136 on the generator housing. While connector 136 and the otherconnectors are shown on the front face of the housing 110, they could beelsewhere on the housing. The outlet ports of gas control modules 230,240 each are connected to tubing or other channel to a connector 132. Aconnector 152 connects to connector 136 and is as tubing that runs toand connects to tubing 292. The tubing 292 is connected to a pressurecontrol valve or stopcock 280 and extends into the trocar. The pressurecontrol valve 280 is used to control pressure within the patient. Thegas pressure control system further has a pressure sensor 282 connectedto the tubing 292 to sense pressure in the tubing 292 and a pressuresensor 284 for sensing pressure in the pressure control valve 280. Asshown in FIG. 2C, the tubing 292 is actually tube within a tube suchthat gas supplied from the generator travels to the trocar and patientthrough tube 296 and gas is released out of the patient through tube294.

As shown in FIG. 2A the connector 132 to which control module 230 isconnected has a gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument 160 having aconnector 162 connected to in. In FIG. 2A, gas control module 230controls flow of argon gas, so the instrument 160 is an argongas-enhanced electrosurgical tool such as an argon plasma probe such asis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,745, a hybrid plasma cut accessorysuch as is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2017/0312003 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0296846, ora monopolar sealer such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0235462. Other types of argon surgical devicessimilarly can be used. As shown in FIG. 2B the connector 132 to whichcontrol module 240 is connected has a gas-enhanced electrosurgicalinstrument 170 having a connector 172 connected to in. In FIG. 2B, gascontrol module 240 controls flow of helium gas, so the instrument 170is, for example, a cold atmospheric plasma attachment such as isdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0095644.

The system provides for control of intraabdominal pressure in a patient.The pressure control valve 280 has a chamber within it. The pressure inthat chamber is measured by pressure sensor 284. CO₂ is supplied to thechamber within pressure control valve 280 from gas control module 220via 3-way proportional valve 260. Pressure in that chamber within thepressure control valve 280 also may be released via 3-way proportionalvalve 260. In this manner, the system can use the pressure sensor 284and the 3-way proportional valve to achieve a desired pressure (setthrough a user interface) in the chamber within the pressure controlvalve 280. The pressure sensor 282 senses the pressure in the tubing 294(and hence the intraabdominal pressure). The pressure control valve 280then releases pressure through its exhaust to synchronize theintraabdominal pressure read by sensor 282 with the pressure in thechamber within the pressure control valve as read by pressure sensor284. The readings from sensors 282, 284 can be provided to CPU 210,which in turn can control flow of CO₂ and one of argon and helium,depending on the procedure being performed, to achieve a stable desiredintraabdominal pressure.

An alternative embodiment of the gas pressure control system is shown inFIG. 2D. This this system the automatic stopcock or pressure controlvalve 280 has been replaced by a manual relief valve 280 a that iscontrolled or operated by the surgeon using the system.

A gas control module 300 in accordance with the present invention isdesigned for gas-enhanced electrosurgical systems. Conventionally,gas-enhanced electrosurgical systems have an electrosurgical generatorand a gas control unit that have separate housings. The conventional gascontrol unit typically controls only a single gas such as argon, CO₂ orhelium. The present invention is a gas control module 300 that may beused in a gas control unit or in a combined unit functioning both as anelectrosurgical generator and as a gas control unit. Further, aplurality of gas control modules in accordance with the presentinvention may be combined in a single gas control unit or combinationgenerator/gas control unit to provide control of multiple gases andprovide control for multiple types of gas-enhanced surgery such as argongas coagulation, hybrid plasma electrosurgical systems and coldatmospheric plasma systems.

FIG. 3A is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the gas flow throughthe gas control module 300 and the method by which the module 300controls the gas flow in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the gas enters the gas controlmodule at an inlet port (IN) 301 and proceeds to first solenoid valve(SV1) 310, which is an on/off valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasenters the gas module at a pressure of 75 psi. The gas then proceeds toa first pressure sensor (P1) 320, to a first pressure regulator (R1)330. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure regulator (R1) 330reduces the pressor of the gas from 75 psi to 18 psi. After the pressureregulator (R1) 330, the gas proceeds to flow sensor (FS1) 340, whichsense the flow rate of the gas. Next, the gas proceeds to proportionalvalve (PV1) 350, which permits adjustment of a percentage of the openingin the valve. The gas then proceeds to a second flow sensor (FS2) 360,which senses the flow rate of the gas. This second flow sensor (FS2) 360provides redundancy and thus provides greater safety and accuracy in thesystem. Next the gas proceeds to a second solenoid valve (SV2) 370,which is a three-way valve that provides for a vent function that canallow gas to exit the module through a vent 372. The gas then proceedsto a second pressure sensor (P2) 380, which provides a redundantpressure sensing function that against produces greater safety andaccuracy of the system. Finally, the gas proceeds to a third solenoidvalve (SV3) 390, which is a two-way on/off valve that is normally closedand is the final output valve in the module. The gas exits the module atand output port (OUT) 399, which is connected to tubing or other channelthat provides a passageway for the gas to flow to an accessory connectedto the electrosurgical unit.

FIG. 3B is a schematic flow diagram of an alternate embodiment of a gascontrol module illustrating the gas flow through the gas control module300 a and the method by which the module 300 a controls the gas flow inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 3B, the gas enters the gas control module at an inlet port301 a and proceeds to a first pressure regulator (R1) 330 a. In anexemplary embodiment, the first pressure regulator (R1) 330 a reducesthe pressor of the gas from about 50-100 psi to 15-25 psi. After thepressure regulator (R1) 330 a, the gas proceeds to a first pressuresensor (P1) 320 a and then to a first solenoid valve (SV1) 310 a, whichis an on/off valve. Next, the gas proceeds to proportional valve (PV1)350 a, which permits adjustment of a percentage of the opening in thevalve. Next, the gas proceeds to flow sensor (FS1) 340 a, which sensethe flow rate of the gas. Next, the gas proceeds to a second solenoidvalve (SV2) 370 a, which is a three-way valve that provides for a ventfunction that can allow gas to exit the module through a vent 372 a. Thegas then proceeds to a second flow sensor (FS2) 360 a, which senses theflow rate of the gas. This second flow sensor (FS2) 360 a providesredundancy and thus provides greater safety and accuracy in the system.The gas then proceeds to a second pressure sensor (P2) 380 a, whichprovides a redundant pressure sensing function that against producesgreater safety and accuracy of the system. The gas exits the module atand output port 399 a, which is connected to tubing or other channelthat provides a passageway for the gas to flow to an accessory connectedto the electrosurgical unit.

The various valves and sensors in either embodiment of the module areelectrically connected to a main PCB Board through a connector 490. ThePCB connector 490 is connected to a PCB Board that has a microcontroller(such as CPU 210 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A). As previouslynoted, a plurality of gas modules can be in a single gas control unit orsingle electrosurgical generator to provide control of multiplediffering gases. The plurality of gas control modules further may beconnected to the same PCB Board, thus providing common control of themodules.

A gas control module of the embodiment of FIG. 3A is shown in furtherdetail in FIGS. 3C-3H. The gas control module has a frame, housing orother support structure 302. The various components forming the gascontrol modules are connected directly or indirectly to the frame,housing or other support structure 302. The frame, housing or othersupport member 302 may be formed, for example, from steel, plastic orany other material having sufficient strength to support the componentsof the module. The frame, housing, or other support member 302 may havea surface for receiving, for example, a manufacturer's label 304 orother identifying information.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the gas control module further has an outlet port399, a mass flow sensor (FS1) 340 and a pressure sensor assembly (P2)380. The module further may have, for example, a brass standoff 305. Asshown in FIG. 3D, the gas control module further has a miniature medicalregulator (R1) 330 and a mass flow sensor (FS2) 360. A vent 372 isconnected to solenoid valve (SV2) 370. As shown in FIGS. 3C-3H the gascontrol module has a variety of stackable mounting features 307, 309 andscrew holes 311 for mounting the module in a housing. As shown in FIG.3G, the gas control module further has a solenoid vale (SV1) 310, whichis an on/off valve, and a 2-way solenoid valve (SV3) 390. As shown inFIG. 3H, the module further has a solenoid valve (SV2) 370, a pressuresensor assembly (P1) 320 and a proportional valve (PV1) 350.

FIGS. 4A-4C show a preferred embodiment of a gas control module with anEMI shield or housing on the module 410. The EMI shielding may besecured to the module, for example, with pan head screws inserted intoscrew holes 311. The EMI shielding or housing has stackable mountingfeatures 452, 454. The EMI shielding or housing further may have a cabletie in push mount 430 and ferring ring 440 and zip ties 450 for securingwires connected to the various components in the gas control module. Thewires are connected to a main PCB connector 490.

All of the features of the housing, frame or other support structure102, the EMI shielding, the stacking features and mounting featuressimilarly can be incorporated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B or inother embodiments of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the generator further may have graphical userinterface 500 for controlling the components of the system using thetouch screen display 120. The graphical user interface 500 for example,may control robotics 511, argon-monopolar cut/coag 512, hybrid plasmacut 513, cold atmospheric plasma 514, bipolar 515, plasma sealer 516,hemo dynamics 517 or voice activation 518. The graphical user interfacefurther may be used with fluorescence-guided surgery 502. For example,J. Elliott, et al., “Review of fluorescence guided surgery visualizationand overlay techniques,” BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 3765 (2015), outlinesfive practical suggestions for display orientation, color map,transparency/alpha function, dynamic range compression and colorperception check. Another example of a discussion of fluorescence-guidedsurgery is K. Tipirneni, et al., “Oncologic Procedures Amenable toFluorescence-guided Surgery,” Annals of Surgery, Vo. 266, No. 1, July2017). The graphical user interface (GUI) further may be used withguided imaging such as CT, MM or ultrasound. The graphical userinterface may communicate with RFID 520 (such as may be found in variouselectrosurgical attachments) and may collect and store usage data 530 ina storage medium. The graphical user interface 500 communicates withFPGA 540, which may control irrigation pump 552, insufflator 554, PFC562, full bridge 564 for adjusting the power output, fly back 566 forregulating the power (DC to AC) and a foot pedal 570.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of theinvention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to explainthe principles of the invention and its practical application to enableone skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodimentsas are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, andtheir equivalents. The entirety of each of the aforementioned documentsis incorporated by reference herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gas-enhanced electrosurgical generatorcomprising: a housing; a first gas control module in said housing andconfigured to control flow of a first gas, said first gas control modulecomprising a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a solenoid valve, and afirst frame, wherein said first frame is mounted to said housing; asecond gas control module in said housing and configured to control flowof a second gas, said second gas control module comprising a flowsensor, a pressure sensor a solenoid valve, and a second frame, whereinsaid second frame is mounted to said housing; a high frequency powermodule; a electronic controller within said housing and configured tocontrol said first gas control module, said second gas control moduleand said high frequency power module; a first connector secured on anexterior of said housing, wherein said first connector comprises a fluidconnector connected to an output port of said first gas control module;and a sub-system configured to control intraabdominal pressure in apatient, wherein said sub-system for controlling intraabdominal pressurein a patient comprises: a 3-way proportional valve connected to anoutput port of said first gas control module; a pressure control valvehaving an internal pressure chamber, a port to said internal pressurechamber, an exhaust and an exterior port configured to releaseintraabdominal pressure from a patient; a first pressure sensor forsensing a pressure in said chamber; and a second pressure sensorconnected to said exterior port.
 2. The gas-enhanced electrosurgicalgenerator according to claim 1 further comprising: a second connectorsecured on an exterior of said housing, wherein said second connectorcomprises: a fluid connector connected to an output port of said secondgas control module; and an electrical connector connected to an outputof said high frequency power module.
 3. The gas-enhanced electrosurgicalgenerator according to claim 2 wherein said first gas comprises CO₂ andsaid second gas comprises argon.
 4. The gas-enhanced electrosurgicalgenerator according to claim 3 further comprising a touch-screen displaymounted to said housing.
 5. The gas-enhanced electrosurgical generatoraccording to claim 2 wherein said first gas comprises CO₂ and saidsecond gas comprises helium.
 6. The gas-enhanced electrosurgicalgenerator according to claim 5 further comprising a touch-screen displayand a graphical user interface, wherein said controller is configured tocontrol said graphical user interface and said touch-screen display. 7.The gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator according to claim 2 furthercomprising: a third gas control module in said housing and configured tocontrol flow of a third gas; a third connector secured on an exterior ofsaid housing, wherein said third connector comprises: a fluid connectorconnected to an output port of said third gas control module; and anelectrical connector connected to an output of said high frequency powermodule.
 8. The gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator according to claim7 wherein said first gas comprises CO₂, said second gas comprises argonand said third gas comprises helium.
 9. A gas-enhanced electrosurgicalgenerator comprising: a housing; a first gas control module in saidhousing and configured to control flow of a first gas; a second gascontrol module in said housing and configured to control flow of asecond gas; a high frequency power module; and a controller within saidhousing and configured to control said first gas control module, saidsecond gas control module and said high frequency power module; and asub-system configured to control intraabdominal pressure in a patient,wherein said sub-system for controlling intraabdominal pressure in apatient comprises: a 3-way proportional valve connected to an outputport of said first gas control module; a pressure control valve havingan internal pressure chamber, a port to said internal pressure chamber,an exhaust and an exterior port configured to release intraabdominalpressure from a patient; a first pressure sensor for sensing a pressurein said chamber; and a second pressure sensor connected to said exteriorport.
 10. A gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator comprising: ahousing; a first gas control module in said housing and configured tocontrol flow of a first gas, said first gas control module comprising aflow sensor and a pressure sensor; a second gas control module in saidhousing and configured to control flow of a second gas, said first gascontrol module comprising a flow sensor and a pressure sensor; a highfrequency power supply; an electronic controller within said housing andconfigured to control said first gas control module, said second gascontrol module and said high frequency power module; and a sub-systemconfigured to control intraabdominal pressure in a patient, wherein saidsub-system for controlling intraabdominal pressure in a patientcomprises: a 3-way proportional valve connected to an output port ofsaid first gas control module; a pressure control valve having aninternal pressure chamber, a port to said internal pressure chamber, anexhaust and an exterior port configured to release intraabdominalpressure from a patient; a first pressure sensor for sensing a pressurein said chamber; and a second pressure sensor connected to said exteriorport; wherein said high frequency power supply is configured to supplyhigh frequency energy to an argon plasma coagulation attachment andsupply low frequency electrosurgical energy to a cold atmospheric plasmaattachment based upon settings input through said touch screen.
 11. Thegas-enhanced electrosurgical generator according to claim 10, whereinsaid first gas control module further comprises a plurality of flowsensors, a plurality of pressure sensors, and a solenoid valve.